Brake system and method

ABSTRACT

A brake system for a vehicle can include a brake actuator, an equalizer operably connected to the actuator, and two brake wires that are each connected to the equalizer and extend to first and second brake assemblies. The first and second brake wires can extend in a first direction extending from a front of the vehicle toward a rear of the vehicle. The first brake wire can cross over the second brake wire at least once and possibly twice, each time in a direction transverse to the first direction. Additionally, the first and second brake wires can each include a cover that protects a respective wire. The covers can be in contact with each other at the crossover point for the wires to minimize noise, friction and to improve operating ability and durability of the brake wires. The various features, such as the cross-over configuration, the contacting wires, and/or the covers, also make it possible to minimize the space requirements for the wires in the vehicle.

This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 and isa Divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/530,956filed on Sep. 12, 2006, the subject matter of which application ishereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosed subject matter relates to a brake system for vehicles anda method of use thereof. More particularly, the disclosed subject matterrelates to arrangements of brake wires and other vehicle components.

2. Description of the Related Art

Vehicles typically include brake systems such as parking brake systemsthat prevent the vehicle from moving unintentionally when parked andwhich provide emergency braking, if necessary. The brake systemtypically includes a wire arrangement with right and left wires that arerouted to brake assemblies associated with the right and left rear orfront wheels. The wires are typically routed in a manner that avoidssharp bends which can negatively affect performance and/or durability ofthe wires.

Some conventional parking brake systems include right and left wiresthat run separately (and sometimes parallel) to one another beforeturning off toward the respective right and left rear wheel parkingbrake assemblies. However, packaging space for the parking brake wiresis limited by space requirements for other vehicle components, such as,for example, the fuel tank, muffler, and interior passenger spacerequirements. Therefore, running separate paths for each of the vehicleparking brake wires has a disadvantage in that it consumes a great dealof space in the vehicle.

Some conventional parking brake systems, such as that disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,428,613, include a pair of parallel parking brake wires thatcross over each other once before being routed outward toward respectiverear wheels. However, U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,613 discloses a mechanism inwhich parking brake wires are slidably guided by and curved along asupporting bracket to form a large radius of curvature and extend towardrespective rear wheel brakes in a crossing manner, but without the wiresinterfering with each other. Thanks to the large radius of curvature,the wires can operate at high operation efficiency and can have animproved durability to make an efficient transmission of force to therear wheel brakes. However, the vertical spacing requirements for thesupporting bracket structure may be undesirable in light of verticalpackaging space limitations, and may result in additional abrasion andperformance problems associated with the additional supporting bracketstructure located in the vehicle.

It may be desirable to provide parking brake systems that maintainrelatively large curvatures of the parking brake wires as they arerouted to their respective wheels and/or minimize vertical spacerequirements. It may also be desirable that such systems minimizeperformance loss and/or maintain high durability of the wires whileminimizing noise during vehicle operation and brake operation.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a parking brakesystem for a vehicle can include a parking brake actuator, an equalizeroperably connected to the actuator, a first parking brake wire having afirst end connected to the equalizer and a second end connected to afirst rear brake assembly associated with a first rear wheel, and asecond parking brake wire having a first end connected to the equalizerand a second end connected to a second rear brake assembly associatedwith a second rear wheel. The first and second parking brake wires canextend substantially parallel to one another in a first directionextending from a front of the vehicle toward a rear of the vehicle. Thefirst parking brake wire can cross over the second parking brake wiretwice in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, aparking brake system for a vehicle can include a parking brake actuator,an equalizer operably connected to the actuator, a first parking brakewire having a first end connected to the equalizer and a second endconnected to a first rear brake assembly associated with a first rearwheel, and a second parking brake wire having a first end connected tothe equalizer and a second end connected to a second rear brake assemblyassociated with a second rear wheel. The system can include a firstcover located adjacent a portion of the first parking brake wire and asecond cover located adjacent a portion of the second parking brakewire. The first and second parking brake wires can extend substantiallyparallel to one another in a first direction extending from a front ofthe vehicle toward a rear of the vehicle. The portion of the firstparking brake wire with the first cover can cross over the portion ofthe second parking brake wire with the second cover in a seconddirection at an angle with the first direction. The first and secondcovers can be in contact with one another.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, apackaging system for vehicle components can include a chassis floorpanel, a heater duct extending from a first side of the chassis floorpanel, a cover hingedly coupled to the heater duct, a parking brakeactuator, and an equalizer operably connected to the actuator. A firstparking brake wire can have a first end connected to the equalizer and asecond end connected to a first rear brake assembly associated with afirst rear wheel. A second parking brake wire can have a first endconnected to the equalizer and a second end connected to a second rearbrake assembly associated with a second rear wheel. The first and secondparking brake wires can be located between the first side of the floorpanel and the cover.

Still other features, characteristics and advantages of the disclosedsubject matter will become apparent to those skilled in the art from areading of the following detailed description of embodiments constructedin accordance therewith, and taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed subject matter of the present application will now bedescribed in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments of theapparatus and method, given only by way of example, and with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a brake system madein accordance with principles of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary brake system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a brake systemmade in accordance with principles of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the exemplary brake system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 4 of anexemplary packaging system for vehicle components;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary packaging systemfor vehicle components including the exemplary brake system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of yet another exemplary packagingsystem for vehicle components including the exemplary brake system ofFIG. 3

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of still another exemplary packagingsystem for vehicle components including the exemplary brake system ofFIG. 3

FIG. 9 is a top partial view of an exemplary wire for use with the brakesystem shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 a is a cross-sectional view taken along line XA-XA of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 b is a cross-sectional view taken along line XB-XB of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a peeled cutaway perspective view of the wire shown in FIG.9;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another exemplary cover for use in abrake system made in accordance with principles of the disclosed subjectmatter; and

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of yet another exemplary cover foruse in a brake system made in accordance with principles of thedisclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawing figures, like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding elements throughout the several figures.

FIG. 1 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a brake system 110made in accordance with principles of the disclosed subject matter. Thebrake system 110 can include an actuator formed as a manually-operatedbrake lever 112 disposed at any location in a vehicle that is accessibleby an occupant, for example, a driver, of the vehicle, as is well knownto those skilled in the art. The brake lever 112 may be structured andarranged to be operated by hand or foot. Alternatively, the brakeactuator can be automated such that it can be operated by solenoid,pneumatic devices, or the like that are controlled by a control unit.

The brake system 110 can further include an equalizer 114 that connectsthe brake lever 112 to two separate wires 122 and 124 and is configuredto meter out and balance the force transmitted to each of the wires 122and 124. The specific structure, function, and operation of theequalizer are known by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Theequalizer 114 can be connected, for example, via a wire 116, to an endof the brake lever 112.

A first brake wire 122 can extend rearward from the equalizer 114, andcan include a first end 132 connected to the equalizer 114 and a secondend 142 connected to a first rear brake assembly 152 associated with afirst rear wheel 162. A second brake wire 124 can extend rearward fromthe equalizer 114 and can include a first end 134 connected to theequalizer 114 and a second end 144 connected to a second rear brakeassembly 154 associated with a second rear wheel 164.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second brake wires 122, 124 can extendsubstantially parallel to one another along a portion of their lengthextending in a first direction from a front of the vehicle toward a rearof the vehicle. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the firstbrake wire 122 crosses over the second brake wire 124 at two locationsalong the length of the first and second brake wires 122, 124. The firstand second brake wires 122, 124 may or may not touch each other eitherof the two times that they cross over each other. The wires 122, 124 canextend along the first direction for a certain distance and then beconfigured to cross over each other at an oblique angle with respect tothe first direction. The wires 122, 124 can then be redirected to crossback over each other again at an oblique angle with respect to eachother and/or the first direction and then extend towards respectivefirst and second rear brake assemblies 152, 154.

It should be appreciated that the first rear wheel 162 may be the rightrear wheel and the second rear wheel 164 may be the left rear wheel, orthe first rear wheel 162 may be the left rear wheel and the second rearwheel 164 may be the right rear wheel. In either case, each brake wire122, 124 extends from the equalizer 114 on a side of the vehiclecorresponding to the respective rear brake assembly 152, 154 and rearwheel 162, 164 to which it is connected. It should further beappreciated that brake wire 124 may cross above or below brake wire 122.The double crossover of the wires 122, 124 enables a large radius ofcurvature as the wires turn outward from a relative center of thevehicle toward the respective wheel 162, 164 while minimizing packagingspace.

The first and second brake wires 122, 124 can be located between heatducts 102 or other support structures such that the heater ducts and/orother support structures provide guidance to the wires 122, 124.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the brake wires 122, 124 may be disposed abovea first surface of a substantially planar floor panel 204 and belowhousing cover 206. The housing cover 206 may include, for example,carpet, plastic, metal, or any other material that can cover and/orprotect the wires 122, 124.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of another exemplary brake system 310 made inaccordance with principles of the disclosed subject matter. The brakesystem 310 can include an actuator formed as a brake lever 312 disposedat any location in a vehicle. If the brake lever is manually operable,it should be located at a position that is accessible by an occupant ofthe vehicle, for example, a driver, of the vehicle, as is well known tothose skilled in the art. The brake lever 312 may be structured andarranged to be operated by hand or foot. Alternatively, the brakeactuator can be automated such that it can be operated by solenoid,pneumatic devices, or the like that are controlled by a control unit.

The brake system 310 can further include an equalizer 314 that isconnected, for example, via a wire 316, to an end of the brake lever312. A first brake wire 322 can extend rearward from the equalizer 314,and can have a first end 332 connected to the equalizer 314 and a secondend 342 connected to a first rear brake assembly 352 associated with afirst rear wheel 362. The first brake wire 322 can include a cover 372located over a crossover portion thereof. The cover 372 can be formed asa sleeve, partial covering, coating, etc. The wire 322 and cover 372 maybe bonded to one another via an adhesive or coupled via an interferencefit such that the cover 372 does not unintentionally move along a lengthof the wire 322. The cover 372 may be made from various materials,including plastics, rubbers, metals, etc., and in particular, can bemade from Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM).

A second brake wire 324 can extend rearward from the equalizer 314 andcan have a first end 334 connected to the equalizer 314 and a second end344 connected to a second rear brake assembly 354 associated with asecond rear wheel 364. The second brake wire 324 can include a cover 374located over a crossover portion thereof. The wire 324 and cover 374 maybe bonded to one another via an adhesive or coupled via an interferencefit such that the cover 374 does not unintentionally move along a lengthof the wire 324. The cover 374 for the second wire 324 can be made fromthe same or similar materials as the cover 372 for the first wire 322.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first and second brake wires 322, 324 can extendsubstantially parallel to one another along a portion of their lengthextending in a first direction from a front of the vehicle toward a rearof the vehicle. The first brake wire 322 can cross over the second brakewire 324 at a crossover location along the length of the first andsecond brake wires 322, 324 corresponding to the covers 372, 374. Thecovers 372, 374 of the first and second brake wires 322, 324 can be inconstant or intermittent contact with each other at a location wherethey cross over. The covers 372, 374 can be configured as sleeves, guardportions, coatings, or other similar structures.

The first and second brake wires 322, 324 can be located between heaterducts 302 or other support structures such that the heater ducts and/orother support structures provide guidance to the wires 322, 324.Referring now to FIG. 4, the brake wires 322, 324 can be disposed abovea first surface of a substantially planar floor panel 404 and belowhousing cover 406. The housing cover 406 can contact one of the covers372, 374 that is furthest from the floor panel 404, for example, at thecrossover point for the wires 322, 324. The housing cover 406 can bemade from various structures and materials, such as carpet, plastic,metal, or any other structure that can cover and/or protect the wires322, 324.

It should be appreciated that the first rear wheel 362 may be the rightrear wheel and the second rear wheel 364 may be the left rear wheel, orvice versa. In either case, each brake wire 322, 324 extends from theequalizer 314 on a side of the vehicle opposite to the respective rearbrake assembly 352, 354 and rear wheel 362, 364 to which it isconnected. It should further be appreciated that brake wire 324 maycross above or below brake wire 322. The crossover of the wires 322, 324enables a large radius of curvature as the wires turn outward from arelative center of the vehicle toward the respective wheel 362, 364while minimizing packaging space. The contact between the wires 322, 324and/or between the wire(s) 322, 324 and the housing cover 406 canminimize packaging space in the area above the floor panel 404.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 (section view A-A fromFIG. 4), a packaging system 500 for vehicle components can include ahousing cover 506 that includes a portion that is hingedly connected toa heater duct 502 at, for example, hinge axis 503. The housing cover 506can include a molded plastic cover, for example, a plastic moldedintegrally with the heater duct 502. The heater duct 502 can extend insubstantially the same direction as the first and second wires 322, 324,thus providing a substantially parallel support channel along at least aportion of the length of the wires 322, 324. The hinge axis 503 permitsan operator to move a door portion of the housing cover 506 away fromthe floor panel 404 to provide access to the brake wires 322, 324. Thehousing cover 506 may be supported by one or more structures 508 suchas, for example, floor stiffeners. The floor stiffeners may be made fromplastic, metal, or another substantially rigid material. The housingcover 506 may be covered by a carpet 507 or other material. In addition,the housing cover 506 can be integrally molded and hinged to the heaterduct while being supported by the floor stiffeners.

In the alternative, the brake system could include a self supportinghousing cover which does not require supporting structures (e.g., floorstiffeners, ducts, etc.) for guiding the wires and/or providing support.The housing cover can be configured to be bolted or otherwise fastenedto the floor or other supporting structures.

As with the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, the first brake wire 322 cancross over, above or below, the second brake wire 324 at a locationalong the length of the first and second brake wires 322, 324corresponding to the location of covers 372, 374. The covers 372, 374 ofthe first and second brake wires 322, 324 can touch each other as theycross in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The firstand second brake wires 322, 324 may be located and guided between heaterducts 502 or other structures 508. As shown in FIG. 5, the brake wires322, 324 can be disposed above a first surface of a substantially planarfloor panel 404 and below the housing cover 506. The housing cover 506can contact at least one of the covers 372, 374 furthest from the floorpanel 404 at the crossover location. The contact between the wires 322,324 and/or between wire(s) 322, 324 and the housing cover 506 canminimize packaging space above the floor panel 404.

In operation, the crossover and double crossover configuration for thebrake wires as described above can permit a relatively large curvatureof the respective wires. The large curvature can prevent deteriorationof operating efficiency and/or lifespan of the brake wires. In addition,the covers provided on the wires can reduce the noise during operationand during travel of the vehicle. The covers can also further protectthe wires from abrasion and permit smooth and consistent movement of thewires relative to each other and the housing. The contact between thecovers can also prevent or dampen relative movement (and resultingnoise) between parts.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary packaging systemfor the brake wire assembly. The housing cover 606 can include a duct602 and a hinge 603. A door portion of the housing can be hinged to theduct 602 and enclose wires 322, 324. Covers 372, 374 can be provided onthe wires 322, 324, respectively, and the housing cover 606 can beseparately formed such that it can be free to contact the floor portion404 or be bolted, adhered, clipped, or otherwise fastened to the floor404. A carpet 507 can be laid over the housing cover 606 to finish theflooring portion of the vehicle.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary packaging systemfor the brake wire assembly. In this example, the housing cover 706 isformed as a channel shaped housing portion that can be left free tocontact the floor 404 or can be bolted, clipped, adhered, or otherwisefastened to the floor 404. The housing cover 706 encloses wires 322, 324which can include covers 372, 374. Again, carpet 507 can be laid overthe housing cover 706 to finish the flooring portion of the vehicle. Aconnection structure 705 can be provided at a portion of the housingcover 706 that is located adjacent the floor 404 for providing apositive connection therebetween. The connection structure 705 can be abolt, screw, clamp, locking device, rivet, adhesive, weld, other knownconnector(s), etc.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary packaging systemfor the brake wire assembly in which the housing cover 806 is modifiedfor use with a sunken floor portion 804 of a vehicle. In this example,housing cover 806 is designed to span over an opening or channel builtinto the sunken floor portion 804. A duct 802 can be included in theportion of the housing cover 806 that extends into the sunken floorportion 804, if necessary. The wires 322, 324 crossover and arepermitted to touch each other within the sunken floor portion 804 thatis enclosed by the housing cover 806. Carpet 507 or other finishingflooring surface can be provided over the housing cover 806. Aconnection structure 805 can be provided at a portion of the housingcover 806 that is located adjacent the floor 804 for providing apositive connection therebetween. The connection structure 705 can be abolt, screw, clamp, locking device, rivet, adhesive, weld, other knownconnector(s), etc.

FIG. 9 is a top view of an exemplary wire 322 with cover 372. FIGS. 10Aand B are cross-sectional views taken along lines XA-XA and XB-XB,respectively, of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a peeled cutaway perspective view ofthe wire shown in FIG. 9. The wire 322 (also known as a wire assembly)can include an inner wire 320 that is sheathed in a nylon coating 325that is bonded to the inner wire 320. The inner wire 320 can be formedfrom a multi-strand steel cable, or from other suitable wirematerials/structures. A liner 327, if desired, can be sheathed over thenylon coating 325 such that the liner 327 is moveable with respect tothe nylon coating 325. A steel coil 328 can be placed over the liner327. An outer casing 329, such as an overmolded casing, can be moldedover the steel coil 328. Cover 372 is then placed adjacent the outercasing 329.

The inner wire 320 and nylon coating 325 can be configured such thatthey slide within an outer envelope that includes the liner 327, steelcoil 328, outer casing 329, and cover 372. Thus, the inner wire 320 isultimately attached to and transmits the force between the actuator andthe brake assembly.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of thewire 322 and cover 378. In this example, the cover 378 integrates acover for the first wire 322 and cover for the second wire 324 into onecover 378. The cover 378 can be a one piece integral structure thatincludes two semi-tubular portions that cover a portion of and protecteach of the respective wires. The cover 378 can be substantially crossshaped and can have a slit running along each of the semi-tubularportions such that each wire can be snapped into and locked inpositional relationship with each other by the cover 378. It is alsocontemplated that the cover 378 be formed from more than one structureand then attached or joined together at the crossing point.

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of another cover 379 and itsrelationship to wires 322 and 324 and housing 304. In this example,cover 379 can be attached to the housing cover 304 at a location atwhich the wires 322 and 324 cross over. Thus, the cover 379 protects thewires 322 and 324 from wear and tear, noise, and other associatedproblems. The cover 379 can be molded directly into the housing or canbe attached to the housing various known attachment structures. Inaddition, the cover 379 can be formed as a clip that allows one of thewires 322 or 324 to be snapped into the cover 379 during assembly.Alternatively, the cover 379 can include a separate cover portion foreach of the wires 322 and 324, and either one or both of the coverportions can be formed in or attached to the housing cover 304.

While the disclosed subject matter has been described in detail withreference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is contemplated thatvarious other structures, materials and methods can be employed withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. Forexample, while the wires 322, 324 are disclosed as having only portionsthat include covers 372, 374, the wires could be entirely sheathed withcovers 372, 374, or could include other portions that include covers372, 374 to prevent abrasion and noise. In addition, wires 322, 324,and/or 122, 124 can be made from single strand wires or multi strand andbound wire/cables. The wires can be made from metal, plastic or evenfabric strands.

With regard to the covers, it should be noted that covers are also knownas protectors in the field of brake systems. The wires 122, 124 in thedouble crossover configuration as shown in FIG. 1 can include coverssimilar to covers 372, 374 as described above. In addition, the wires inthe single crossover configuration shown in FIG. 3 do not necessarilyrequire the covers 372, 374 for operation. The covers can be slid ontothe wires and be slidable relative to the wires, or they can be securedto the wires after being slid on. Alternatively, the covers can becoated onto the wires, bonded to the wires via an adhesive, fixed to thewires via an external clamp, or interference fit onto the wires. Thecovers can also be integrated into the various structures that house thebrake system, such as in the floor structure, the housing cover, theheater ducts, the floor stiffeners, etc.

The equalizer 114, 314 can be any type of mechanism that metes out anddistributes the tension from an actuator, such as a brake lever 112,312, to the brake wires 122, 124 or 322, 324. The equalizer need not bea separate component, but can be incorporated and integrated into thebrake actuator itself, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this case, a wire316 is not required for connection between the actuator and theequalizer since the equalizer is an integral component of the actuator.In addition, although the brake wires are shown going to the rear brakeassemblies of a vehicle, the brake wires can be directed to the frontbrake assemblies of a vehicle, to combinations of front and rear brakeassemblies, and possibly to all brake assemblies of a vehicle.

Although the wires 122, 124 and 322, 324 are shown as being locatedbetween heater ducts 102, 302, 502, or between heater ducts and otherguiding structures 508, it is contemplated that the wires extend alongany structure that bounds them along their extending direction, such asfloor stiffeners, body panels, frame members, etc. Of course, it ispossible that the wires are not bound on either side by any guidingstructure, if desired. In addition, the wires are described above asextending along a substantial or relative center portion of the vehicle.However, it is contemplated that the wires can extend along a right orleft side portion of the vehicle and remain within the spirit and scopeof the disclosed subject matter. The relative bend in the wire andcrossover angles can be changed to allow the wires to run off of thecenter line of the vehicle. Similarly, the relative angle between thefirst and second wires with respect to the longitudinal axis of thevehicle need not be the same at the crossover location of the wires.

The brake lever 112, 312 can be manually or automatically operated. Forexample, the brake lever can be configured as a typical foot pedalactuation mechanism or as a typical pull bar mechanism. However, itcould also be configured as an automated electronically or pneumaticallycontrolled device. The wire 116, 316 that extends from the brake lever112, 312 can be configured as a single strand wire, a multiple strandbraided wire, covered wire, etc., and can be made from variousmaterials, including metals, plastics, and even fabrics.

The housing cover 206, 304, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806 can be formed as ahinged door mechanism to provide access to the brake wires. However, itis contemplated that the housing cover be configured as a slide door;punch out door; a separate piece that is attached to the housing bodyvia screws, rivets, or the other attachment means; or the like.

In addition, the cover can be configured such that it does not rest uponany support structure (such as support structure 508, or other floorstiffener) and simply rests upon the floor panel of the vehicle. Thecover can also be provided with tabs that extend from the cover and restupon a floor support structure to provide added rigidity or stability tothe cover. It is also contemplated that the cover be formed as a hollowstructure to provide additional rigidity and strength to the cover. Ofcourse, the hollow portion of the cover could be adapted for use invarious ways, such as for use as a heater duct, an electrical conduit,storage space, etc.

While the disclosed subject matter has been described in detail withreference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalentsemployed, without departing from the scope of the disclosed subjectmatter. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the disclosed subject matter. It is intended that the specificationand examples be considered as exemplary only.

What is claimed is:
 1. A brake system for a vehicle, comprising: a brakeactuator; an equalizer operably connected to the brake actuator; a firstbrake wire having a first portion connected to the equalizer and asecond portion connected to a first brake assembly associated with afirst wheel; and a second brake wire having a first portion connected tothe equalizer and a second portion connected to a second brake assemblyassociated with a second wheel, wherein the first and second brake wiresextend from the equalizer toward a portion of the vehicle locatedsubstantially between the first wheel and second wheel, the first brakewire crossing the second brake wire at two locations spaced from theequalizer such that the first brake wire and second brake wire extendfrom the equalizer to the first brake assembly and second brakeassembly, respectively.
 2. The brake system of claim 1, wherein thebrake system is a parking brake system, and the first wheel and secondwheel are rear wheels of the vehicle.
 3. The brake system of claim 1,further comprising: a first cover located adjacent a portion of thefirst brake wire; and a second cover located adjacent a portion of thesecond brake wire, wherein the first cover and second cover are locatedat one of the two locations at which the first brake wire crosses thesecond brake wire, the first cover and second cover being in contactwith each other.
 4. The brake system of claim 3, wherein the first coverand second cover are connected to the first brake wire and second brakewire, respectively, via at least one of an adhesive bond and aninterference fit.
 5. The brake system of claim 1, wherein the equalizeris incorporated into the actuator.
 6. The brake system of claim 3,wherein at least one of the first cover and second cover comprises arubber material.
 7. The brake system of claim 3, wherein at least one ofthe first cover and second cover comprises Ethylene Propylene DieneMonomer.
 8. The brake system of claim 1, wherein the equalizer isseparated from and connected to the brake actuator via a wire.
 9. Thebrake system of claim 1, further comprising: a housing cover locatedadjacent the first brake wire and the second brake wire and configuredto protect the first brake wire and second brake wire, wherein at leastone of the first cover and the second cover contacts the housing cover.10. The brake system of claim 1, further comprising: a housing coverincluding a central portion and two support portions, the centralportion extending from one of the support portions to another one of thesupport portions, and wherein the central portion of the housing coveris located adjacent the first brake wire and the second brake wire, atleast one of the first cover and the second cover contacts the centralportion of the housing cover, and the support portions are configured toengage a floor panel of a vehicle and suspend the central portion abovethe floor panel such that the housing cover protects the first brakewire and second brake wire when the housing cover is secured to thefloor panel.